ZDNet UK is reporting that Microsoft UK has fired 7 employees from the global technical support centre and services team. The employees have been dismissed after it was discovered that they were abusing system privileges, network access rights and obtained passwords of other Microsoft employees. Unlike Microsoft US, Microsoft UK have a programme which allows employees to purchase the latest Microsoft technologies internally on their intranet. Microsoft US has an on-site staff "shop" where, although limited, employees can obtain software like Windows XP for $30.

Microsoft isn't confirming whether the employees have been arrested but in a statement via email confirmed the following, ""A thorough investigation found evidence to show that abuses had occurred which are contrary to Microsoft values and policy, and after a careful investigation Microsoft had no choice but to dismiss the employees involved."

In 2003, a Microsoft employee was arrested for stealing software from the company; Richard Gregg swindled the company to the tune of $17m.